ITA BUTTROSE, AO, OBE – Chair of the ABC, Media Trailblazer, Health Advocate and Author
Leading with Purpose
Starting as a journalist at 15 years old, Ita was driven to set the world of media ablaze with a passion that is burning 60 years later – stronger and more focused than ever.
The founding editor of Cleo and the youngest ever editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly, Ita is one of the most accomplished journalists of our time. She is the first woman to ever edit a major metropolitan newspaper in Australia as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, and the first female director of News Ltd Australia.
As the current Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Ita forges on her purpose to educate and shape the consciousness of the nation.
“The ABC is Australia’s trusted voice in Asia and the Pacific. It has a proud record of achievement, having told Australian stories, reported fairly and fearlessly, taught generations to speak English and delivered critical information in times of crisis for 80 years.”
She balances this high-profile role with charitable responsibilities with Dementia Australia, Macular Disease Foundation, Arthritis Australia and Breast Cancer Network Australia.
“Being a part of giving back to the community is something that was instilled in me as a child. I had two careers. One in the media and one in the not for profit sector.”
In 2019 she became a Companion of the Order of Australia for her service to the community through leadership in the media, the arts, the health sector and as a role model.
Ita will headline the Authentic Leadership Summit 2020 as our VIP Keynote Speaker on March 18 to share lessons on purposeful leadership inspired by her illustrious career.
From Purpose to Impact
Ita is a fierce champion for press freedom and for raising awareness of public health issues, using her influence to advocate for the health and wellbeing of Australians
“My profile allows me to raise issues that sometimes are neglected, or sometimes they’ve been around for a long time, but nobody can get anywhere. And so I think sometimes you’ve just got to shake people. You’ve got to make them aware.”
In a recent interview at ABC News Breakfast, Ita demonstrates how a clear understanding of your purpose as a leader enables you to push ahead and advocate your cause.
“I think our critics need to think about what is the role of a national broadcaster, why is it important to have an independent national broadcaster like the ABC and why is it very important in a democracy and in an uncertain world, to flourish and bring news and information to the people of Australia.”
Purpose and Passion into Action
For Ita, having purpose and passion is the only way for leaders and their organisations to reach common goals and get things done. Our purpose fuels high-performance by giving us focus.
“If it weren’t for committed people who shared the passion, so many things wouldn’t get done. So many issues wouldn’t be resolved. People who needed to be pressured would not be pressured. We should be grateful that people are prepared to put time and effort into the various causes that affect so many of us.”
Ita will speak at the Authentic Leadership Summit 2020 on March 18 to ignite Australia’s private and public sector to drive wider and more significant impact by leading with purpose.
Discover your ‘why’ – your true purpose and values as a leader by Reserving Your Spot for the Authentic Leadership Summit 2020.
